Whitford-Lawler Lake Boat Launch

Eight trailer spots are technically designated for this launch, but the lot is shared with the Jackson Hole Lake launch. On summer weekends, you might pull in to find every spot claimed by Jackson Hole traffic. Getting there early — before 8 AM on Saturdays — is the only reliable move.

This spot is way more popular as a hiking trailhead than a boat launch. The 3-mile loop around the lake draws a steady stream of hikers, and they park in the same lot you need for your trailer. Don't be surprised if someone's Subaru is blocking your pull-through.

Whitford-Lawler is a quiet little lake best suited for a canoe, kayak, or a small jon boat with an electric motor. Don't bother dragging anything over 16 feet out here — the single lane is tight and the lake itself doesn't reward big horsepower.

This is inside Fort Custer Recreation Area, so you need a valid Michigan Recreation Passport or a day pass to get through. Signage at the launch follows state park rules, not standard DNR Waterways posting, which can throw you off if you're looking for the usual regs board.

The low-lying ground around the launch and access road gets soft and muddy in spring, especially April into early May. Two-wheel-drive trucks can get squirrely backing down to the water. Let things dry out a bit or bring something with four-wheel drive.